Warren has fewer snaps than Dowdle in Week 1 win

Warren played 3-of-3 snaps on the first drive. Steelers RB Rico Dowdle played 4-of-4 snaps on the second. The two backs then rotated on the third. Dowdle rushed five times for 18 yards, adding one reception for two yards. This is about what we expected, though a recent report did indicate that Dowdle would be the Steelers’ “workhorse.” For now, treat both players as reliable FLEX starters with RB2 upside in what should be a split backfield, at least early on.

Recent reporting from ESPN suggests the Steelers will employ a run-heavy approach this season. Vacchiano agrees and adds that Steelers coach Mike McCarthy believes Dowdle could help the team produce a strong running game this season. That said, Vacchiano also said that Dowdle and RB Jaylen Warren could form “a potent tandem,” so Vacchiano may only be indicating that Dowdle will be the team’s primary rusher while Warren changes the pace and plays on passing downs. Both players sit in the fringe RB2/FLEX barrel right now.

There’s been a strain of thought that Mike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers would go back to slinging it like it is 2016 again, but Solak left Steelers training camp believing things would mostly stay as they were last year. That’s good news for Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle, though neither of them profile as an easy-to-trust option while they split time.

Rico Dowdle is listed as the RB2. We wouldn’t read into this too much, but it does align with the approach fantasy managers have been taking to this backfield. Warren currently comes off the board at RB27 while Dowdle sits at RB32. With a larger role through the air also in his future, Warren continues to looks like a safe bet for FLEX-worthy fantasy numbers in 2026.

DeFabo wonders whether Steelers coach Mike McCarthy will be “willing to open up the playbook for Heidenreich and how does the rookie fare in pass protection?” If McCarthy is willing to design plays for Heidenreich, and the youngster can be trusted to keep QB Aaron Rodgers safe from oncoming pass rushers, it is possible he earns a spot on the game-day roster. If not, he may need to spend 2026 refining his skill set while RB Jaylen Warren works on becoming Rodgers’ “new check-down favorite.” That said, DeFabo adds that “an injury or a surprising training camp performance could change things positively for Heidenreich. Keep an eye on him, but temper expectations.

The Steelers on Monday signed Rico Dowdle, formerly of the Panthers, to a two-year deal worth $12.25 million, as Gainwell left Pittsburgh in favor of Tampa. DeFabo said the new-look Pittsburgh offense could see Warren occupy last year’s Gainwell role (Gainwell was among the league leaders in running back targets and receptions). Warren, DeFabo said, “has been at his best in a third-down role and out of the shotgun; Warren is now likely to assume the pass-catching role that Gainwell occupied last year. Given the increased opportunities in this area, Warren may produce results similar to those of Gainwell, though he’s not as refined as a route runner.” Such a scenario would make Warren far more valuable than Dowdle in PPR formats this season, though Dowdle could be a flex option if he gets first crack at goal line carries and functions as the team’s primary ball carrier.

Dowdle will presumably form a one-two punch with incumbent starter Jaylen Warren in Pittsburgh after notching consecutive 1,000-yard seasons for the Cowboys and Panthers. It also signals a level of discomfort with former third-round pick Kaleb Johnson, who played sparingly during his rookie season following multiple special teams miscues. The financials of the contract were not immediately made available. Although unlikely to match the 235 carries he averaged the previous two seasons, Dowdle’s size and frame keep his touchdown equity high on the run-first Steelers.

The scrappy former change of pace back was thrust into a featured role this season after rookie Kaleb Johnson failed to pan out, ending the regular season with 958 yards and six touchdowns on 211 carries while adding 333 yards and two touchdowns on 40 receptions. The four-year veteran has missed only four games in his career and recently signed a two-year contract extension tying him to the team through the 2027 season, making it likely we see him hold fantasy value through the offseason as the likely starter in the backfield next year. That said, quarterback Aaron Rodgers appears likely to retire following his 21st season and head coach Mike Tomlin could be on the hot seat this offseason after seven straight playoff losses, meaning it could be an entirely new situation for Warren in the coming year.

Warren should be good to go for the Steelers’ Wild Card Round game against the Texans on Monday. The Texans field a top-tier defense, so having the backfield at full strength is helpful. Warren has been splitting work with RB Kenneth Gainwell and can be safely expected to continue doing so in the playoffs.

Warren was spotted with a mask and gloves on in the locker room. Most of the time, players play through illness in playoff games. We’d expect at worst Warren winds up with a questionable tag on Saturday and plays, so we’re not overly concerned about the illness.